Removable data storage drive security module with lockable write protect feature

ABSTRACT

A security module for a removable disk drive having a lockable hardware write protect feature for use with docking base. Additional features provided by the invention are an enclosure and electrical connection interface designed to reduce or eliminate radio frequency interference (RFI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), a removal mechanism that provides for orderly powering down of a disk drive before removal of the security module from a docking base, and a module latching and lock mechanism that provides for positive, lockable securement of the module into a docking base.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to removable disk drive's for computer systems,and more particularly to a security module for a removable disk drivehaving a lockable write protect feature, and an associated docking base.

2. Description of Related Art

In the early history of computer data storage devices, magnetic diskdrives having removable magnetic platters were commonly used. Thisconfiguration of equipment permitted the use of a number of sets ofplatters with one drive unit, resulting in substantial economies sincemuch of the cost of such a disk drive unit was in the motor drive unit,read/write head structure, and control electronics. Another advantage ofsuch a configuration is that the platters could be removed and safelystored for security purposes.

One common feature of such removable platter disk drive units was a"write protect" switch that activated a hardware control system of thedisk drive itself. The write protect feature prevented data from beingwritten to the platters, thereby protecting the data on such plattersfrom iandvertent alteration or erasure. While software could be used toprovide a degree of write protection, a hardware implementation of thefeature was found to be more secure from software error and intentionalsoftware tampering. However, a disadvantage of the prior art is that theoperator was required to remember to activate the write-protect switch.

Moreover, such drives did not prevent accidental or negligentdeactivation of the write-protect switch.

More recently, the cost of computer disk drives has decreaseddramatically to the point that the platters, drive motor, read/writehead structure, and control electronics are sold as a single unit, withthe platters typically hermetically sealed within the unit. With theplatters sealed within the disk drive, reliability of such drives issubstantially improved over disk drives with removable platters.

A disadvantage of sealed disk drives has been that they are normally notdesigned to be easily removed from a computer system. Such removabilityis desirable for a number of reasons, including ready replacement ofdefective drives and transportation of data from one computer system toanother. However, probably the most important reason for suchremovability is to permit removal of drives containing sensitive datafor security purposes. In some cases, data may be so sensitive that aremoved drive must be stored in a vault when not in use.

Another disadvantage of commonly available sealed drives is that theytypically do not provide a dedicated, lockable write protection feature.While some drives have interfaces which include a WRITE signal linewhich can be trapped and blocked to emulate a write-protect input, inother drives (such as disk drives having a Small Computer SystemInterface), all commands are logically coded, and no provision existsfor activating a dedicated write-protect input or blocking a WRITEsignal without very sophisticated (and hence expensive) commandmonitoring and decoding.

With the advent of small format disk drives (e.g., commonly available51/4" and 31/2" form factor drives), a number of removable disk driveshave been introduced. Some of these products include a "docking base"coupled to a computer system and having a power supply and computerinterface, with the disk drive itself being removable from the dockingbase. In other products, the disk drive, power supply, and computerinterface form a removable unit, although the computer system may have a"docking interface" for making electrical connections to the removableunit.

However, a continuing disadvantage of such removable drives is that theydo not provide a lockable, hardware write protection feature.

It is therefore desirable to provide a removable disk drive unit havinga lockable, hardware write protection feature. It is also desirable toprovide a locking switch mechanism for controlling the write protectionfeature, in order to provide better security for the system. The presentinvention meets these needs as well as providing other desirablefeatures and functions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a docking base and a removable disk drivemodule having a lockable hardware write protection feature. Theinvention may be configured such that a low-voltage power supply andcomputer interface are situated within the docking base, or the powersupply is situated within the removable module, or the power supply isexternal to the docking base and removable module. The docking base maybe configured to receive one or more removable modules, and dimensionedto fit removable modules of various sizes. The removable modules may bedimensioned to fit disk drives of various sizes.

Additional features provided by the invention are (1) an enclosure andelectrical connection interface designed to reduce or eliminate radiofrequency interference (RFI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), (2)a unique drive module removal mechanism that provides for orderlypowering down of a disk drive before removal of the module from adocking base, and (3) a unique module latching and lock mechanism thatprovides for positive, lockable securement of the module into a dockingbase.

The invention permits complete removal of a disk drive module from itsdocking base for security purposes, data transport, and replacement. Theinventive removable module can be securely locked into a docking base,as well as locked into a write-protect mode or read-write mode such thatthe mode cannot be changed without a key or combination to the lock. Theability to lock the removable module into a write-protect mode providesdata security when the disk drive module is in use, without concern foraccidental or negligent alteration or erasure of data. In addition, theremovable module can be securely locked out of a docking base, so thatthe disk drive cannot even be read, thus providing an added measure ofdata security.

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing detailed description when considered in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that thedetailed description and the specific examples, while representing thepreferred embodiment and several alternative embodiments of theinvention, are given by way of illustration only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of theinvention, showing a dual-bay docking base and one removable moduleinserted within the docking base.

FIG. 2 is a perspective, transparent view of a removable module.

FIG. 3 is a top, partial cross-section view of a removable module, withthe handle shown in three different positions.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a docking base, showing in cross-section oneconnector and removable module latching mechanism.

Like reference numbers in the various drawings refer to like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is of the best presently contemplated modes ofcarrying out the invention. This description is made for the purpose ofillustrating the general principles of the invention and should not betaken in a limiting sense.

FIG. 1 shows a dual-bay docking base 1 and one removable module 2inserted within a bay 3 of the docking base 1. The docking base 1 may beprovided with mounting holes 4 so that the docking base 1 may be securedto a table, rack, or other structure. By providing the mounting holes 4within each bay 3 of the docking base 1, the mounting hardware (such asthe screws 5 shown in FIG. 1) in each bay 3 of the docking base 1 isinaccessible for removal when a removable module 2 is mounted within thebay 3.

It should be noted that the functions and features of the docking base 1can be incorporated directly into a computer rack, enclosure, or workstation, without necessarily providing a separate component structure ofthe type shown in FIG. 1.

In the preferred embodiment, each removable module 2 is sized to house a31/2" form factor disk drive, and each bay 3 of the docking base 1 issized to receive such removable modules 2. Single-bay or multiple-baydocking bases 1 may be fashioned as desired. The removable modules 2 maybe dimensioned to accommodate disk drives of other sizes (e.g., 51/4"form factor drives), or be configured to accommodate different sizes ofdrives (e.g., a nominal 51/4" form factor removable module 2 could alsoaccommodate smaller form factor drives, such as 31/2" drives).Similarly, the docking base 1 may be dimensioned to accommodateremovable modules 2 of different sizes.

FIG. 2 shows a removable module 2 in greater detail. Each removablemodule 2 is configured to receive a disk drive 20, which preferably issimilar to Hitachi Model No. DK312C or Fujitsu Model No. M2314AS. Suchdrives provide a dedicated write-protect input 21 which, when coupled toan appropriate control signal (e.g., a ground connection or voltagesignal), prevents writing to the disk drive medium. However, otherdrives lacking a built-in write-protect input may be used by providing acontrol circuit that adds such write-protection to the disk drive (forexample, by monitoring signal commands from the computer system to thedisk drive, and blocking any WRITE signals or encoded commands frombeing transmitted to the disk drive). Such a control circuit wouldinclude a write-protect input 21.

Such drives may also provide a spin-down signal input 19 which, whencoupled to an appropriate control signal or command, provides fororderly parking of the read/write heads of the disk drive 20 and stopsrotation of the disk platters. Alternatively, such drives mayautomatically park their read/write heads when power to the disk drive20 is disconnected.

The disk drive 20 is coupled to a power supply 22. The power supply 22may be located within each removable module 2, or within a docking base1, or external to the invention, such as in a computer rack.

Each removable module 2 is provided with an extensible, lockable handle23. When unlocked, the handle 23 provides a convenient means forremoving the removable module 2 from a bay 3 of a docking base 1, andfor carrying the removable module 2 about. FIG. 3 shows a top view of aremovable module 2 with the handle 23 shown in three differentpositions: retracted, intermediate, and extended. As shown in FIGS. 2and 3, the handle 23 normally fits flush against the front of theremovable module 2. The handle 23 thus does not normally provide aconvenient means for pulling the removable module 2 out of the dockingbase 1.

Situated in each removable module 2 is a lock 24, which is located inthe handle 23 in the preferred embodiment. For simplicity, the lock 24is preferably a key lock, but other locks, such as mechanical orelectronic combination locks or rotary tumbler locks, may be used. Thelock 24 may be a four-position lock, the four positions corresponding to"non-removable, no write protect", "non-removable, write protect","removable, no write protect", and "removable, write protect".Alternatively, the lock 24 may have positions corresponding to"non-removable, no write protect", "non-removable, write protect", and"removable" (or, optionally, "removable, power off"). The front of theremovable module 2 adjacent the lock 24 may be appropriately marked toindicate the meaning of each position of the lock 24.

In the preferred embodiment, the lock 24 has a lock cam 25 which rotatesto different positions as the lock 24 is turned, via a key, tocorresponding positions. When the lock 24 is turned to a "non-removable"position, the lock cam 25 preferably physically interacts with the frontof the removable module 2, such as by protruding into a slot cut withinthe removable module 2. In such a configuration, the lock 24 preventsextension of the handle 23 if the handle 23 is retracted when the lock24 is placed in a locked position. Conversely, the lock 24 preventsretraction of the handle 23 if the handle 23 is extended when the lock24 is placed in a locked position.

At least one write-protect switch 26 (one for each write protectposition of the lock 24) is situated such that one such switch isactivated by the lock cam 25 when the lock 24 is turned to a "writeprotect" position. Each switch may be a photo-interrupt type switch(i.e., activated by the interruption of a light source when the lock cam25 passes through an opening in the switch), a microswitch, or any othertype of switch.

Each write-protect switch 26, when activated by the lock cam 25,provides an appropriate control signal to the write-protect input 21 ofthe disk drive 20. The ability to lock the removable module 2 into awrite-protect mode provides data security when the removable module 2 isin use, without concern for accidental or negligent alteration orerasure of data on the disk drive 20. It should be noted that the diskdrive 20 in a removable module 2 can be write-protected even when theremovable module 2 is not inserted within a docking base 1. This permitssuch a removable module 2 to be moved from station to station withoutconcern for writing over important data.

Optionally, each write-protect switch 26 is also coupled to a controlcircuit 27 that provides an indication when write protection has beenactivated in response to the status of the write-protect switches 26.Such an indication may be, for example, a signal light 28 (such as alight emitting diode).

Other combinations of a lock and switches may be used to accomplish thesame functions as the particular configuration of the lock 24 andwrite-protect switches 26 described above.

The removable module 2 optionally may have a secondary write-protectswitch (not shown), such as a dual-in-line package (DIP) switch, locatedin the removable module 2 such that the secondary switch is notaccessible when the removable module 2 is inserted within a bay 3 of adocking base 1. The secondary switch is coupled to the write-protectinput 21 of the disk drive 20 so as to provide a means of overriding thewrite-protect switches 26 so that the disk drive 20 is alwayswrite-protected despite the setting of the lock 24.

Alternatively, the secondary write-protect switch may be located withinthe docking base 1 and electrically coupled via a connector to thewrite-protect input 21 of the disk drive 20 in each inserted removablemodule 2. This configuration provides a means of overriding thewrite-protect switches 26 of every inserted removable module 2 so thatits disk drive 20 is always write-protected despite the setting of thelock 24 of the removable module 2.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the handle 23 of theremovable module 2 provides a number of features. In one embodiment ofthe invention, after the lock 24 is turned to a position permittingremoval of the removable module 2 from a docking base 1, pulling the topof the handle 23 to the intermediate position activates a removal switch32 (see FIG. 2). The removal switch 32 may be a photo-interrupt typeswitch, a microswitch, or any other type of switch. Activation of theremoval switch 32 sends a spin-down signal to the spin-down signal input19 of a disk drive 20 so equipped. This permits orderly parking of theread/write heads of the disk drive 20, thereby lessening the chances ofdamage to the data upon removal of the removable module 2.

In an alternative embodiment, useful for disk drives 20 lacking aspin-down signal input 19, activation of the removal switch 32interrupts power to the disk drive 20. This activates any automatic headparking feature of the disk drive 20, and, more importantly, permits thedisk platters to stop spinning before the removable module 2 is pulledfrom the docking base 1. Again, this lessens the chances of damage tothe data upon removal of the removable module 2.

Providing a spin-down period for the platters of a disk drive 20 ispreferable to simply pulling the removable module 2 out of the dockingbase 1, which can cause a disk head crash against the still-spinningplatters even in disk drives having a self-parking feature for theread/write heads.

The intermediate spin-down position of the handle 23 may be indicatedtactilely by providing a detent at the proper position, therebysignifying to an operator that the handle 23 should not be pulledfurther until the spin-down operation is completed. Optionally, asolenoid-type latch (not shown) may be activated by the activation ofthe removal switch 32 to prevent further extension of the handle 23until the spin-down operation is completed. The solenoid latch wouldthen release the handle 23 for further extension.

The removal switch 32 optionally may be coupled to the control circuit27 to provide an indication when a spindown operation is under way. Suchan indication may be, for example, a signal light 33 (such as a lightemitting diode) and/or a sound transducer (such as piezoelectric beeper)34. In the preferred embodiment, the control circuit 27 causes thesignal light 33 to flash red while the disk platters are still spinning,and to turn to a steady green after spin-down is completed. In thepreferred embodiment, the control circuit 27 also causes the soundtransducer 34 to sound an alarm if the handle 23 is pulled past itsintermediate position before spindown is completed.

As should be clear from the above description, locking the handle 23into its retracted position while a removable module 2 is insertedwithin a bay 3 of a docking base 1 prevents removal of the removablemodule 2. It should also be noted that, in the preferred embodiment,locking the handle 23 into its extended position permits insertion of aremovable module 2 into a bay 3 of a docking base 1 but preventsoperation of its disk drive 20, since the removal switch 32 remains inits activated position until the handle 23 is fully retracted. In analternative embodiment, the lock 24 may be configured to extend aprojection beyond the body of a removable module 2 when the handle 23 islocked into an extended position, or if the lock 24 is turned while theremovable module 2 is not inserted into a docking base 1. The projectionserves to block insertion of the removable module 2 into a docking base1 by interference with the sides, top, and/or bottom of a bay 3. Ineither configuration, the removable module 2 is effectively locked outof a docking base 1, so that the disk drive 20 cannot even be read.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the rear of the removable module 2 includes anelectrical connector 35 that provides an interface between the diskdrive 20 within the removable module 2 and a mating connector 40 (shownin FIG. 4) in a bay 3 of the docking base 1. The electrical connector 35provides for both power and signal lines. The electrical connector 35and mating connector 40 are preferably low-insertion force orzero-insertion force connectors. The mating connector 40 is coupled viaa cable (not shown) to a computer system.

The rear of the removable module 2 also includes latch flanges 36configured to engage corresponding spring-loaded latches 41 situatedwithin a bay 3 of the docking base 1, as shown in FIG. 4. When theremovable module 2 is fully inserted into a bay 3, the electricalconnector 35 mates with the mating connector 40, and the spring-loadedlatches 41 engage and hold the latch flanges 36 of the removable module2. The removable module 2 is thus positively and securely held withinthe bay 3 of the docking base 1. If the lock 24 is then positioned to a"non-removable" setting, the removable module 2 cannot be removed fromthe docking base 1 because the handle 23 is secured into its retractedposition by the lock 24.

In the preferred embodiment, the handle 23 is connected via a pivotinglever 30 to two release rods 31 such that, as the handle is pulled 23from its retracted position all the way to its extended position, thepivoting lever 30 pushes the release rods 31 away from the front of theremovable module 2 to a rearward extended position (shown in outline inFIG. 3). The extended release rods 31 push against an angled face of thespring-loaded latches 41, forcing the latches 41 to retract. The latches41 thus release engagement with the latch flanges 36, and the removablemodule 2 can be pulled by the handle 23 out of the docking base 1,separating the electrical connector 35 from the mating connector 40.

Other configurations of latching and release mechanisms can also be usedto accomplish the same functions as the particular configuration ofdescribed above. One such mechanism includes a solenoid latch releasableby the position of the lock 24 as determined by the writeprotectswitches 26 or similar switches.

As noted above, the functions and features of the docking base 1 can beincorporated directly into a computer rack or enclosure. Thus, themating connector 40 and spring-loaded latches 41 can be situateddirectly within a computer rack or enclosure rather than in a separatestructure, while still functioning as a docking base 1 for a removablemodule 2.

An additional feature provided by the invention is a mechanical andelectrical configuration of the docking base 1 and removable module 2designed to reduce or eliminate radio frequency interference (RFI) andelectromagnetic interference (EMI). In the preferred embodiment, thecase of the removable module 2 is of unitary construction, with allseams welded closed or shielded by internally positioned shieldingmaterials (e.g., metal plates or foils). The number of openings in theremovable module 2 is minimized to reduce the number of possible sitesfor RFI and EMI leakage. The shape of the docking base 1 in thepreferred embodiment is such that the electrical connections betweeneach removable module 2 and the docking base 1 are recessed within theshielding walls of the docking base 1. In addition, the electricalconnector 35 is surrounded by the sides of the enclosure of theremovable module 2, up to the latch flanges 36. Engagement of thespring-loaded latches 41 with the latch flanges 36 effectively forms aninterlocking shield around the electrical connector 35 and the matingconnector 40. Such interlocking substantially reduces or entirelyeliminates RFI and EMI leakage from the electrical connector 35 and themating connector 40.

In summary, the lock 24 of the removable module 2 provides a means foractivating the write-protect input of the enclosed disk drive 20. Thedocking base 1 may be securely fastened to other structures, such thatthe docking base 1 cannot be removed if it contains one or more lockedremovable modules 2. The removable module 2 can be positively andsecurely held within a bay 3 of a docking base 1 via a latchingmechanism which can only be released by extension of the handle 23. Theremovable module 2 can be locked into place in a docking base 1 bylocking the handle 23. The handle 23 further provides a means for safelyspinning down an enclosed disk drive 20 before removal of its removablemodule 2 from a docking base 1. Moreover, the removable module 2 and thedocking base 1 are designed to reduce or eliminate radio frequencyinterference (RFI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) by shieldingpoints of possible signal leakage.

A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described.Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Forexample, although the illustrated embodiment has been described in thecontext of magnetic disk drive data storage devices, the invention couldeasily be adapted to other data storage devices, such aswrite-once-read-mostly (WORM) optical drives and erasable opticaldrives. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not tobe limited by the specific illustrated embodiment, but only by the scopeof the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A system for enclosing a write-protectable data storagedrive such that the data storage drive is removable, the systemincluding:a. removable module means for removably receiving a datastorage drive of the type that includes write-protect means forpreventing writing of data to the data storage drive while allowingreading of data from the data storage drive during data transferoperations, and having a hardware write-protect control input foraccepting control signals for selectively enabling and disabling thewrite-protect means, the removable module means further including:i.first connector means for coupling the data storage drive to power andsignal lines external to the removable module means; ii. switch means,coupled to the write-protect control input of the data storage drive,for providing a control signal to the write-protect control input forselectively enabling and disabling the write protect means of the datastorage drive; iii. lockable control means, mounted on the removablemodule means, for selectively enabling and disabling the switch means;and b. base unit means for removably receiving at least one removablemodule means, the base unit means including second connector means forcoupling the first connector means to power and signal lines external tothe base unit means.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the lockablecontrol means comprises a key lock.
 3. The system of claim 2, whereinthe key lock includes positions corresponding to a first mode whereinthe write protect means is disabled, and to a second mode wherein thewrite protect means is enabled.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein thekey lock includes positions corresponding to a third mode wherein thethe removable module is locked into the base unit, and to a fourth modewherein the removable module is not locked into the base unit.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, further including a power supply for the data storagedrive situated within the base unit means.
 6. The system of claim 1,further including a power supply for the data storage drive situatedwithin the removable module means.
 7. The system of claim 1, furtherincluding means for securing the removable module means to the base unitmeans.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the means for securing theremovable module means to the base unit means includes the lockablecontrol means.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the means for securingthe removable module means to the base unit means further includes areleasable latch.
 10. The system of claim 9, further including a handleattached to the removable module means and having a retracted positionand at least one extended position, and wherein the releasable latch iscoupled to the handle and released when the handle is extended from itsretracted position to at least one extended position.
 11. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the releasable latch is lockable by means of thelockable control means.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the handleis lockable by means of the lockable control means, thereby locking thereleasable latch.
 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the data storagedrive further includes:a. a spin-down signal input, coupled to the datastorage drive, which enables a spin-down operation that provides fororderly cessation of operation; b. a removal switch, coupled to thehandle and to the spin-down signal input, for providing a spin-downenable signal to the spin-down signal input when the handle is in afirst extended position; and c. indicator means, coupled to the removalswitch, for indicating that the handle has been extended past the firstextended position before completion of the enabled spin-down operation.14. The removable module of claim 10, wherein the data storage drivefurther includes:a. a spin-down signal input, coupled to the datastorage drive, which enables a spin-down operation that provides fororderly cessation of operation; b. a removal switch, coupled to thehandle and to the spin-down signal input, for providing a spin-downenable signal to the spin-down signal input when the handle is in atleast one extended position; and c. indicator means, coupled to theremoval switch, for indicating the state of the spin-down signal. 15.The system of claim 1, further including means for securely attachingthe base unit means to other structures.
 16. The system of claim 15,further including means for securing the removable module means to thebase unit means.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the means forsecuring the removable module means to the base unit means prevents thedetachment of the base unit means from such other structures.
 18. Thesystem of claim 17, wherein the means for securing the removable modulemeans to the base unit means includes the lockable control means. 19.The system of claim 18, wherein the means for securing the removablemodule means to the base unit means further includes a releasable latch.20. The system of claim 19, further including a handle attached to theremovable module means and having a retracted position and at least oneextended position, and wherein the releasable latch is coupled to thehandle and released when the handle is extended from its retractedposition to at least one extended position.
 21. The system of claim 20,wherein the releasable latch is lockable by means of the lockablecontrol means.
 22. The system of claim 20, wherein the handle islockable by means of the lockable control means, thereby locking thereleasable latch.
 23. The system of claim 1, wherein the lockablecontrol means is a key lock that includes positions corresponding to afirst mode wherein the write protect means is disabled and the removablemodule is locked into the base unit, to a second mode wherein the writeprotect means is enabled and the removable module is locked into thebase unit, and to a third mode wherein the removable module is notlocked into the base unit.
 24. The system of claim 23, further includingmeans for preventing the operation of the disk drive if the removablemodule is removed form the base unit and the key lock is placed ineither of the first or second modes.
 25. The system of claim 1, whereinthe lockable control means is a key lock that includes positionscorresponding to a first mode wherein the write protect means isdisabled and the removable module is locked into the base unit, to asecond mode wherein the write protect means is enabled and the removablemodule is not locked into the base unit, and to a third mode wherein theremovable module is locked into the base unit.
 26. The system of claim1, further including means for preventing the operation of the diskdrive if the removable module is removed from the base unit and the keylock is placed in the third mode.
 27. The system of claim 1, furtherincluding means, operable by the lockable control means, for preventingthe insertion of the removable module into the base unit.
 28. The systemof claim 1, further including second switch means, coupled to thewrite-protect control input of the data storage drive and concealed fromaccess when the removable module is mounted within the base unit, forselectively enabling and disabling the write protect means of the datastorage drive.
 29. The system of claim 1, further including indicatormeans, coupled to the switch means, for indicating that the writeprotect means of the data storage drive is enabled.
 30. The system ofclaim 1, further including:a. first interlock means, situated around thefirst connector means and having an interlocking interface, forproviding shielding against radiated signal emissions; b. secondinterlock means, situated around the second connector means and havingan interlocking interface, for providing shielding against radiatedsignal emissions; wherein the interlocking interface of the firstinterlock means engages the interlocking interface of the secondinterlock means when the first and second connectors means are coupled,and wherein the engaged first and second interlock means substantiallyshield radiated signals emitted from the first and second connectormeans.
 31. The system of claim 1, wherein the base unit means includes abay means for providing shielding against radiated signal emissions, andthe second connector means is recessed within the bay means.
 32. Thesystem of claim 1, further including means for interrupting the rotationof the disk drive platters.
 33. The system of claim 32, wherein themeans for interrupting the rotation of the disk drive platters includesa handle attached to the removable module means and having a retractedposition and at least one extended position, and wherein the rotation ofthe disk drive platters is interrupted when the handle is extended fromits retracted position to an extended position.
 34. The system of claim33, further including indicator means, coupled to the means forinterrupting the rotation of the disk drive platters, for indicating therotational status of the platters.
 35. A removable module for a datastorage drive adapted to be received in a base unit, including:means forreceiving a data storage drive of the type that includes write-protectmeans for preventing writing of data to the data storage drive whileallowing reading of data form the data storage drive during datatransfer operations, and having a hardware write-protect control inputfor accepting control signals for selectively enabling and disabling thewrite-protect means; b. first connector means for coupling the datastorage drive to power and signal lines to a base unit; c. switch means,coupled to the write-protect control input of the data storage drive,for providing a control signal to the write-protect control input forselectively enabling and disabling the write protect means of the datastorage drive; d. lockable control means, mounted on the removablemodule, for selectively enabling and disabling the switch means.
 36. Theremovable module of claim 35, wherein the lockable control meanscomprises a key lock.
 37. The system of claim 36, wherein the key lockincludes positions corresponding to a first mode wherein the writeprotect means is disabled, and to a second mode wherein the writeprotect means is enabled.
 38. The system of claim 37, wherein the keylock includes positions corresponding to a third mode wherein the theremovable module is locked into a base unit, and to a fourth modewherein the removable module is not locked into the base unit.
 39. Thesystem of claim 35, wherein the lockable control means is a key lockthat includes positions corresponding to a first mode wherein the writeprotect means is disabled and the removable module is locked into a baseunit, to a second mode wherein the write protect means is enabled andthe removable module is locked into the base unit, and to a third modewherein the removable module is not locked into the base unit.
 40. Thesystem of claim 39, further including means for preventing the operationof the disk drive if the removable module is removed form the base unitand the key lock is placed in either of the first or second modes. 41.The system of claim 35, wherein the lockable control means is a key lockthat includes positions corresponding to a first mode wherein the writeprotect means is disabled and the removable module is not locked into abase unit, to a second mode wherein the write protect means is enabledand the removable module is not locked into the base unit, and to athird mode wherein the removable module is locked into the base unit.42. The system of claim 41, further including means for preventing theoperation of the disk drive if the removable module is removed form thebase unit and the key lock is placed in the third mode.
 43. The systemof claim 35, further including means, operable by the lockable controlmeans, for preventing the insertion of the removable module into a baseunit.
 44. The system of claim 35, further including a power supply forthe data storage drive, the power supply being situated within theremovable module
 45. The system of claim 35, further including indicatormeans, coupled to the switch means, for indicating that the writeprotect means of the data storage drive is enabled.
 46. The removablemodule of claim 35, further including means for interrupting therotation of the disk drive platters.
 47. The system of claim 46, whereinthe means for interrupting the rotation of the disk drive plattersincludes a handle attached to the removable module means and having aretracted position and at least one extended position, and wherein therotation of the disk drive platters is interrupted when the handle isextended from tis retracted position to an extended position.
 48. Thesystem of claim 47, wherein the lockable control means includes meansfor locking the handle, and further including means for preventing theoperation of the data storage drive if the handle is locked in anextended position.
 49. The system of claim 47, further includingindicator means, coupled to the means for interrupting the rotation ofthe disk drive platters, for indicating the rotational status of theplatters.